R’ Simcha Eckstein was a big baal chessed. He got involved in cases where no one wanted to get involved. He went all out for those in need. He was a regular by many Gedolim who were involved in his special endeavors, and they greatly supported his special deeds and devotion.
One case of his was helping a boy who’d fallen into a deep depression. R’ Simcha tried many avenues to help him, whether it was professional help or with medication. One day, the depression hit its climax. This put his future at risk, and it warranted that the boy be admitted to a special hospital that catered to people suffering with such problems.
The father, being a talmid of R’ Moshe Aryeh Stern, refused to admit him in without first consulting with his rebbe.
When he got to the Rav, he expressed what he was facing. The Rav asked him if the matter can wait. The father said he would have to ask R’ Simcha, since he was on top of the situation and would know the exact extent and its severity.
R’ Simcha confirmed that this matter would not be able to wait and that he must be brought in to the hospital.
R’ Moshe Aryeh instructed the father that he would have to wait overnight before bringing him to the hospital. “Please let R’ Simcha know that you’ll be watching up close throughout the night and assure him that he is OK. If anything arises, you’ll bring him in.”
And so the father did. That night he stayed awake closely, supervising his son’s well-being.
At the break of dawn, to the shock of everyone, the sunrise brought the yeshuah and left everyone mesmerized. This was something that no one was anticipated. The boy’s condition was forgotten, without leaving a trace behind.
Seeing the miraculous salvation, R’ Simcha ran to R’ Moshe Aryeh, thanking him profusely for the miracle he performed.
When he got there, R’ Moshe Aryeh was in the midst of saying Shnayim mikra v’echad targum as he did every Friday morning and was unable able to be interrupted. In the meantime, he headed to the rebbetzin in the kitchen to thank her for her husband’s miracle.
“What miracle? This is not a miracle! This is the result of staying up all night saying Tehillim. My husband stayed up the entire night davening for the boy’s well-being and for an improvement in his situation.” Wishing them a gut Shabbos, she continued on with simplicity: “Is it then a surprise for you that Hashem answers our tefillos? This is nothing new. Have a gut Shabbos!” (Tiv Hamasios, Bamidbar p. 70)
